Los Angeles, CA - September 23: Jake Cronenworth #9 of the San Diego Padres tags out Teoscar Hernández #37 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning at Dodger Stadium on September 23, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
San Diego Padres (88-70) at Los Angeles Dodgers (97-61), September 24, 2026, 7:10 p.m. PST
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Location: UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium – Los Angeles, Calif.
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Thursday night's NHL preseason game between the Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins was moving along like any old game, until Trevor Zegras was whistled for a bizarre penalty you don't see called every day.
Just about halfway through the second period of their game against the Bruins, the Flyers were called for their first individual penalty; their first of the night was a too many men penalty served by Matvei Michkov, who also scored the game's first goal.
Zegras was penalized by the referees for "improper wearing of equipment" and in real time, nobody seemed to know what exactly happened or why.
But, as we came to find, Zegras had his jersey tucked, and the NHL and its referees will apparently be cracking down on that this season.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman via his X account, the "league has indicated it will warn players if equipment -- neck guards, visors, helmets (during warmup) -- is not being properly worn.
Jerseys are supposed to be untucked at the beginning of a player's shift. (If it rides up during a shift, no issue.)"
Friedman added, "Procedure is a warning, followed by a two-minute penalty. So, Zegras must have been warned earlier in the game. Next violation is supposed to be a misconduct."
If Zegras and the Flyers were, in fact, warned ahead of time, it was rather innocuous and went unnoticed. Both Zegras and Travis Konecny both plead the Flyers' case to the referees, but their appeals fell on deaf ears.
Ultimately, the Flyers survived the strange Zegras penalty, which was compounded by a Jett Luchanko hooking penalty that put the Flyers on a 5-on-3 penalty kill not long after.
As is seemingly tradition, the Flyers appear to be the first team to be an example for the rule the NHL is trying to enforce, and it certainly caught everyone off guard.
CHICAGO — On a milestone afternoon for Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Chicago Cubs earned their second straight trip to the playoffs.
PCA joined the 40-40 club in Thursday’s 2-1 win over the Miami Marlins.
“I’ve seen a lot of winning here,” Cubs outfielder Ian Happ said. “It’s been a rollercoaster but the resilience of this group and our ability to get through it speaks volumes.”
A favorite to win the NL MVP award, Crow-Armstrong swiped his 40th base and became the seventh player with at least 40 homers and 40 steals in a season. He joined a group that includes Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. Jose Canseco was the first with the 1988 Oakland Athletics.
Crow-Armstrong hit his 45th homer during Sunday’s 9-1 win at Cincinnati, extending his career high. The 24-year-old drew a leadoff walk from Tyler Phillips in the first inning and swiped second base on the next pitch to Seiya Suzuki for his 40th steal in 47 attempts. Fans chanted “MVP” as the Wrigley Field videoboard proclaimed the feat.
“That was the most emotion I think I’ve ever experienced on a baseball field,” Crow-Armstrong said. “It wasn’t relief, it wasn’t anxiety. It was a sense of gratitude.”
PCA is hitting .280 with 45 homers, 107 RBIs, 119 runs and 40 steals.
Chicago went 20-3 from April 14 to May 8, but followed with a 2-14 stretch.
“Hasn’t been all smooth,” manager Craig Counsell said, “but you develop some calluses through that and I think it gets you through a lot of stuff.”
Seiya Suzuki homered for the Cubs (88-71), who assured themselves of one of the NL’s three wild card berths.
Chicago also was a wild card last year, when the Cubs beat San Diego in the first round and lost to Milwaukee in a Division Series. The Cubs will be making consecutive postseason appearances for the first time since four straight from 2015-18, which in 2016 included their first championship since 1908.
The Cubs clinched their berth shortly after the White Sox earned their postseason trip with a 9-1 win at Kansas City.
“This city deserves all the great things,” Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson said.
Sep 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Athletics starting pitcher Mason Barnett (63) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Earlier this week, the Athletics opened the final week and homestand of the season by sweeping the Los Angeles Angels in a brief two-game series. Now that the A’s are no longer at risk of losing 100 games, they can turn their attention to keeping the Houston Astros out of the playoffs by winning this season-ending, four-game series.
A’s right-hander Mason Barnett will make his final start of the season this evening. The 25-year-old enters his 20th game and sixth start with a 1-4 record, a 7.16 ERA, a 1.75 WHIP and 42 strikeouts in 44 innings.
After scuffling in a brief five-start cameo last season, Barnett has failed to take a step forward during an extended big-league opportunity. Over his last seven appearances, the right-hander has significantly struggled, going 0-4 with a 10.27 ERA and a 2.20 WHIP while handing out nearly as many walks as strikeouts. Barnett received a no-decision in his last start against the Cleveland Guardians after allowing three runs on seven hits and four walks in 3 1/3 innings.
The Athletics would greatly appreciate a quality start from Barnett tonight against a playoff-hungry Astros lineup. He will look to match his performance from June 5, when he shut out Houston over four innings. However, if Barnett falters, the Green and Gold will likely have to turn to their bullpen earlier than expected for a third consecutive game.
The Athletics are rocking with the same lineup that scored 16 runs against the Angels over the past two days. Center fielder Henry Bolte, who recorded four hits yesterday, could receive some down-ballot Rookie of the Year votes after showcasing his electric five-tool skill set throughout his first season.
Second baseman Donovan Walton and shortstop Alika Williams have taken advantage of increased playing time over the past few weeks. If the 2027 season is not cancelled by a lockout, these two will surely be at the forefront of the competition for the backup infielder/utility roles on next season’s A’s roster.
The A’s offense has benefited from Shea Langeliers’ return. With Langeliers limited to designated hitter duties, Jonah Heim may have to catch the final four games if backup catcher Brian Serven is unable to recover from the injury he suffered last night.
As for Houston, right-hander Peter Lambert will make his final start of the season. The 29-year-old is finishing a career-best campaign in his return to MLB following a season spent in Japan with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. Lambert enters his 28th start with an 8-10 record, a 3.70 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP and 147 strikeouts in 151 innings.
Lambert is riding a seven-start winless streak, yet his latest outings have been solid. The right-hander took the loss in his last start against the Atlanta Braves despite allowing just two runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings. On June 5, Lambert earned the win after holding the Athletics to one run over 5 1/3 innings. He will look to repeat that performance today against an A’s squad hoping to play spoiler.
And the Astros’ starting nine shapes up like this:
9/24 ⚾ Astros Lineup is Out! Provided by mlbstartingnine (@DailyMLBLineups for link)
Nothing surprising in the Astros’ lineup, other than rookie Lucas Spence starting in center field. While American League MVP front-runner Yordan Alvarez is the main threat, Jeremy Pena, Isaac Paredes and Jose Altuve are also primed to capitalize on any mistake pitches Barnett leaves over the middle of the plate.
Time to play spoiler and make it three straight wins. Let’s go, A’s!
Good news, Knicks fans. Jalen Brunson is good to go for the start of the regular season.
The Knicks guard told attendees at a live edition of his and teammate Josh Hart's Roommates Show, that he is healthy and ready for the regular season.
"As you guys know, I had surgery this offseason," Brunson told the crowd. "And I just wanted to tell you guys that I am fully cleared."
Brunson underwent surgery back in July after playing through a good portion of the playoffs with it. At the time, SNY's Ian Begley reported that the rehab/recovery process would take about two months.
Brunson revealed this summer -- not long after undergoing surgery -- that he suffered the injury late in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. He scored 19 points in 40 minutes in the Knicks' 109-93 win to take a 2-0 series lead -- a series they wound up sweeping.
The Knicks' unofficial captain would go through the rest of the postseason with his injured wrist en route to leading New York to its first NBA Championship in 53 years. He averaged 28 points and six assists in the postseason. His 45 points in Game 5 of the NBA Finals helped the Knicks clinch the title and earned him NBA Finals MVP.
A fully healthy Brunson will now look to go back-to-back when the season starts Oct. 5 on the road against the 76ers.
Jalen Brunson shared at The Roommates Show he’s fully cleared after his offseason wrist surgery pic.twitter.com/j4SxLycexl
New York Mets starting pitcher Zac Thornton throws to the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Arlington, Texas.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Zac Thornton accomplished his biggest goal for this season just by walking to the mound during Thursday’s first inning.
Between the minor leagues and majors, it was start No. 28 for the rookie left-hander.
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“I met all my goals this year of debuting and making every start,” Thornton said after the Mets lost 3-1 to the Rangers. “I wanted to finish the year and, obviously, make it up here.”
In his final whirl, he allowed two earned runs on four hits and one walk over five innings. Josh Jung’s two-run homer in the first accounted for the scoring against him.
Thornton finished the season with a 3.42 ERA in his 15 starts for the Mets, firmly placing him in the mix for a rotation spot next year.
“I don’t think anybody could have had higher expectations than what he went out there and did,” manager Andy Green said. “That’s a tribute to him and how hard he works and getting more strikeouts here recently too, which is encouraging as well.”
New York Mets starting pitcher Zac Thornton throws to the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game on Sept. 24, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. AP Photo/Julio Cortez
The Mets fell short of a Texas sweep but departed for Washington with a 26-20 record since the trade deadline.
Thornton belongs to a young pitching nucleus that includes Nolan McLean, Christian Scott and Jonah Tong, as the Mets look for rotation answers heading to next season.
“I always thought I would be up [in the majors] this year,” said Thornton, who began the season at Double-A Binghamton. “I didn’t know to what extent it would be — maybe, like, September to help us make a push to the postseason.
“It just so happened that we had a few injuries, and then obviously the trade deadline we had open spots, but I wouldn’t say I surprised myself.”
New York Mets pitcher Zac Thornton (49) throws to the plate against the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on September 24, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Derek Falvey was named senior adviser, baseball operations, adding a seasoned voice to David Stearns’ front office. Falvey, 41, was previously the president of baseball operations for the Twins.
The Mets also named Kris Gross assistant general manager, scouting. Gross oversaw amateur and international scouting for the Mets over the past three seasons.
Green was leaning toward a bullpen game, perhaps with an opener, for Friday’s game against the Nationals. The Mets are short-handed in the rotation following the injuries that landed Scott and Robert Stock on the injured list over the past week.
Tong and Sean Manaea are scheduled to start the final two games of the season.
The Mets finished 23-25 in interleague play this season.
The Chicago White Sox celebrate a playoff berth after defeating the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, Thursday, September 24, 2026.
The White Sox made baseball history with their unbelievable playoff berth.
After clinching an American League postseason spot on Thursday, the Southsiders became the first team ever to reach the playoffs after back-to-back 100-loss seasons.
Chicago had, in fact, been even worse than that in recent years, losing at least 100 games in each of the last three seasons, including a modern MLB record of 121 losses in 2024.
Miguel Vargas head back to the dugout after scoring during the first inning of the White Sox’s 9-1 playoff berth-clinching win over the Royals on Sept. 24, 2026 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
They’re also just the third MLB team to lose 100 games and make the postseason a year later.
It’s the first time the White Sox will play postseason baseball since 2021, when they won the AL Central after going 93-69 during the regular season.
After Thursday’s playoff-clinching 9-1 win over the Royals, Chicago sits at 82-77, which is 22 more victories than they had in 2025, with three games to go.
The White Sox are still fighting for a division title and first-round bye.
The White Sox celebrate after clinching a playoff berth after their blowout win over the Royals. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Guardians, who play the Red Sox on Thursday night, sit a half-game up on the White Sox in the AL Central at 82-76.
Chicago holds the tiebreaker over Cleveland, meaning the White Sox would come out on top in the division if they finish with the same record.
“They have belief in themselves, belief in each other,” White Sox manager Will Venable said according to MLB.com. “That can carry you a long way … These guys continue to believe and whatever the ending is to this one, we all can agree that from the beginning, this group has as much self-belief as any group I’ve seen.”
The White Sox will finish up the regular season with three games at home against the Rockies.
“I absolutely understand his mindset,’’ Sabathia said. “He wants to get back for the guys. You feel like you owe that to the guys. But I would want him to be careful.”
Sabathia pitched through knee and shoulder injuries, especially in the latter part of his career, and is now living with the consequences.
“Even with as much praise as I get for pitching till my arm fell off, I still needed my knee replaced at 46 and my shoulder reconstructed,’’ said Sabathia, who will have his No. 52 retired and a plaque unveiled in Monument Park before Game 1 of Friday’s doubleheader.
Asked if he would change any of his decisions to stay on the mound in spite of the injuries, Sabathia paused and said, “No.”
Aaron Judge watches from the dugout during the Yankees’ blowout win over the Rays o Sept. 23, 2026 at the Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“But I had to think about it right now,’’ Sabathia said. “There was no question at the time. You just do it. But now, I think about everything I’m going through physically, and I’m not even 50.”
Sabathia also saw Derek Jeter play with an injured foot throughout the final month and into the playoffs in 2012.
Yankees great CC Sabathia, an MLB commentator for Netflix, is seen on the field before the start of the 2026 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby on July 13, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Jeter finally went down with a fractured left ankle in Game 1 of the ALCS against Detroit, so he knows what it’s like to see a leader go down and not be available in the playoffs, as Judge could be when the wild-card series starts Tuesday.
“[Judge] has been hurt all year, so you just keep going,’’ Sabathia said. “I remember when [Jeter] broke his ankle, we were sad, but what were we gonna do, quit? You’ve got to keep going. You’ve got to play.”
But, as Sabathia quickly noted with a laugh, “We got swept [in the series], but you’ve got to show up and play. It’s hard not to have your best player, especially when he’s the best player in the game.”
“Not being a homegrown Yankee and to finish my career in Monument Park is incredible,’’ Sabathia said. “I don’t want to downplay the Hall of Fame, because that’s the biggest accomplishment of my life, but I think this is bigger. Being able to come here as the highest-paid pitcher ever at the time and have them feel I lived up to that makes me feel good.”
Veleno then signed his first deal as an unrestricted free agent with the Canadiens and got his first taste of playoff hockey last season.
The Habs decided not to tender him a qualifying offer, thus making him a UFA for a second straight summer.
“It’s been a little difficult, for sure,” Veleno told The Post on Thursday before he suited up for his first preseason game with the Rangers, a 4-3 shootout win over the Devils at Madison Square Gardenagainst the Devils. “Not always easy, but you know what? You try to learn from those mistakes and try to avoid that happening again as best as you could. Try to find ways to improve and get better. I thought I did a good job of that last year, established myself [with] more of an identity to myself.”Obviously, running here this year.”
The 26-year-old has been penciled into the fourth-line center role since putting pen to paper with the Rangers in the summer.
On Thursday, he skated next to Tye Kartye and Matt Rempe, which very well could be the Rangers fourth line on Opening Night in Boston at the end of this month.
Joe Veleno (right) and teammate Scott Morrow look on during the Rangers’ 4-3 preseason win over the Devils on Sept. 24, 2026 at Madison Square Garden. Jason Szenes for New York Post
Veleno said he aims to be responsible defensively and contribute on both the penalty kill and in the faceoff circle. , he added, is what hHe would like to chip in offensively more of this season.
“He will without a doubt be a big part of the penalty kill,” head coach Mike Sullivan said of Veleno, who had five points (two goals, three assists) in 61 games last season. “I think he’s also a guy that has shown an ability, just with his defensive conscience. We can put him in defensive situations to play against other team’s top players if we need him to. The biggest thing that allows him to do that is his size and his skating ability. He can really skate. I think that’s a great attribute as a defensive player because if you get beat, if somebody gets a step on you, you have the ability to recover.
“I think Joe has that. And when you’re playing against good players, sometimes you’re going to get beat. They make good plays. Skating ability and size, reach, length, things like that, I think are a big advantage to a guy that’s going to play that type of a role and he has that.”
Montreal center Joseph Veleno warms up before the Canadiens’ loss to the Sabres in Game 4 of the second round of the NHL Playoffs on May 12, 2026 at Bell Centre. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
It was predetermined that veteran goalie Joonas Korpisalo would play all of the second-to-last exhibition game Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. Rookie netminder Dylan Garand served as the backup.
“Obviously, I don’t want to let in a [late] goal,” said Korpisalo, who had Amadeus Lombardi go five-hole on him to tie the game up 3-3 with 1:39 left in regulation. “I think [the] third goal is a bad goal on my part. I got to save the puck, and game is on the line. You got to find a way to do it, but getting to OT and shootouts, it’s also beneficial.”
The Rangers cut their training camp roster by five players before Thursday’s game.
Jacob Battaglia, Brody Lamb, Dylan Roobroeck, Spencer Martin and Callum Tung were assigned to the Wolf Pack.
I have a terrible track record when it comes to singling out players. Recently, I’ve glorified Tyler Fitzgerald, Logan Webb, and Willy Adames, and turned into pumpkins soon after my exaltations. Alternatively, my naysaying spotlight pointed at Rafael Devers received a double middle finger from him by his explosive season with the bat. So, I did briefly considered making this a real miserable post, but I have to believe that at some point, there will be alignment.
Jonah Cox is the most exciting San Francisco Giant playing today.
I know, I know. There’s Bryce Eldridge. There was Rafael Devers. There’s, uh… um… other dudes maybe somewhere. But just like a movie star entering a room, there’s a light that shines whenever Jonah Cox is on the TV screen. Sure, a little bit of that is the stadium lighting reflecting off his fair features, but the rest of it is the undeniable talent. Somehow, the Giants have found a contact-speed threat the likes of which we haven’t seen in a very long time and one who seems setup to make a huge positive impact for next year’s team (which probably won’t be good, but should be interesting at the very least).
Justice delos Santos wrote a heckuva profile about Cox last week and the section on his swing adjustment really got me excited.
Before the team traveled to Boston, Cox and Mense talked about implementing a wider base with no stride. When Cox tried it out in the cage, Mense recalled him three straight line drives up the middle.
Cox introduced his refurbished mechanics on Aug. 23 and saw immediate results.
From August 23rd to September 16th, Cox slashed .329/.386/.461 in 23 games (86 PA) with 3 homers, a double, and 9 stolen bases. Three weeks of me going gaga here in my mom’s basement. Earlier in the piece, hitting coach Hunter Mense put my it plainly: “Anybody that has the kind of toolset that he does is incredibly exciting to watch because you don’t know what the ceiling is going to be.”
Sometimes, there’s added hype from the context. But that’s just not the case here. I don’t care that the Giants got him from the A’s. For Ross Stripling. During Farhan Zaidi’s tenure. But that he also flourished under the new player development program run by Randy Winn. It only matters that he’s here and he’s got me excited about a team I have been invited (and taken the opportunity) to hate a little bit.
But maybe the streak is over. Maybe it’s time to take off the rose colored glasses. Maybe it’s logical to tone down my excitement. This past week, he’s struck out 12 times in 25 plate appearances (48 K%) and is 2-for-20 (.100). That speed and defense has certainly helped prop up his profile overall (he’s about a 1 WAR player right now no matter the WAR system), but he’s got a lot of swing and miss. Too much. On the season, it’s 60 strikeouts to 10 walks in 157 plate appearances. Putting aside the 6:1 ratio, that’s still 38.3% overall.
In the minors, it’s a far more palatable 23.4% for his career and 17% here in 2026. He hit .400 in the minors this season, you know. It’s so easy to root for him and dream big right now. But check out this list of 2B/OF types who had 200 PA or fewer, 15 or fewer walks and 60 or more strikeouts (which I’ve gone ahead and sorted by rWAR):
I didn’t expect to get just 33 results; but, as I suspected, it’s not promising. On the other hand — wow, Jonah Cox is the best of this bunch. What I’m looking to see is whether or not this could be a part of a players’ track record long-term. To do that, I needed to sort by age. The younger the player, the better chance of this being a sort of rough start to a career.
Players for whom this was their final season
Rick Ankiel, Brant Brown
Players who’d play in just 1 more season
Bill Hall (14 MLB PAs for Baltimore), Gregory Polanco (382 PA for PIT; 72 OPS+), Jhonkensy Noel (153 PA for CLE; 31 OPS+), Trayvon Robinson (164 PA for SEA; 76 OPS)
Egyptian Healy (1885-1892)*, Gorman Thomas (1973-1986)
Result in current season/still active
Gabriel Arias, Jonah Cox, Tristan Gray, James Outman, Denzel Clarke, Alex Jackson, Connor Norby, Josh Lowe, Jordan Beck, Leody Taveras
So, after reviewing MLB history, the most accurate thing we could say is that nothing is set in stone. Cox could go either way. Makes sense. This is his age-24 season. He’s got a heckuva MiLB track record. Egyptian Healy (1886) and Gorman Thomas (1973) are the two outliers in this comparison group — Healy was a pitcher who amassed that hitting line — who are from such wildly different eras that a comparison doesn’t seem relevant. Just eyeballing the list, if Cox is to have longevity at all, it’ll be because of his speed and defense. But will his bat push him into being a regular or is he bound for the bench?
Strikeout rates are as instructive as walk rates — at least, to me they are. There’s some research to suggest that Double-A numbers are also strong predictors of MLB success/failure, and so when I mash those two ideas together in my brain I get the idea that Jonah Cox is still making the adjustment to major league pitching. But that 17% MiLB strikeout rate sis a swing and a drive away from the 38.2% he has in his first 157 plate appearances. The scant Statcast data isn’t exciting either. 5.8% barrel rate. Just a .213 expected batting average. A 32.7% chase rate.
Still, he’s kind of unique. If you filter the age to 24 or younger and set a minimum threshold for stolen bases of 10, then the only comp is that Leody Taveras season, who was graded as one of the best prospects and athletes when he signed as an international amateur in 2015 and as he got older was graded for playing plus defense at a premium position. Now, some speedsters can thrive if they can square up the ball, but Cox isn’t at that point — not yet, anyway.
The position comparison doesn’t necessarily suggest that regular starter I’d so hoped for either, but he has certainly demonstrated an intensity and physical talent to keep an eye on; the team isn’t necessarily set at the position, but at the very least with Gilbert there, too, they’ve got options in center that they didn’t have a year ago.
But, I guess, pump the brakes. Take a breath. Cox is not quite the surprise breakout of this rebuild season, but he has certainly made us all anxious to see if he can take the next step.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates his home run with teammates in the dugout during the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on September 22, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Elly De La Cruz entered the final week of the 2026 regular season with a chance to join one of the most elite clubs in Major League Baseball history.
Only 51 players have ever managed to homer at least 30 times and swipe at least 30 bags in a single season, and only a trio of Cincinnati Reds legends have ever accomplished said feat, either. That trio? None other than Hall of Famer Barry Larkin, Eric Davis, and Brandon Phillips.
Elly, who opened Thursday’s series finale against the Atlanta Braves with both 29 homers and 29 steals to his name so far this season, just smashed his 30th homer.
This particular big fly carried 402 feet off a heater thrown by former Cincinnati Red Tyler Mahle, and it spearheaded a big 3rd inning that saw the Reds flip a 4-2 deficit into a 5-4 lead.
Now, if only he can get on base and swipe one more bag…
New York Yankees announcer Michael Kay prepares to lay flowers at home plate during a pregame memorial for radio announcer John Sterling before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium, Monday, May 4, 2026, in the Bronx, N.Y.
Michael Kay doesn’t think he’s “close at all” to starting to think about his broadcast future, though he joked in a phone interview with The Post on Thursday that “when you reach a certain age, people are going to wonder.”
“It’s funny because I worry about that decision whenever I make it. I don’t think I’m close to it at all,” he said. “I love the line, God laughs at those that make plans.”
Michael Kay prepares to lay flowers at home plate during a pregame memorial for radio announcer John Sterling before the Yankees’ blowout win over the Orioles at the Stadium on May 4, 2026. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Kay has been part of Yankees’ radio and TV broadcasts for 35 years and said on Thursday that he still feels good, noting how much health can play into any decision.
He also reiterated a comment he made on the Awful Announcing podcast last month when he was asked if he would follow in longtime Yankees play-by-play radio announcer John Sterling’s footsteps and carry on his career behind the microphone into his 80s.
“I probably can’t even imagine being 80, so I can’t imagine what I’d be doing then,” Kay said.
The Yankees broadcaster also recalled a conversation he had with Rose when the Mets announcer called it “strange” that their colleagues stayed in their jobs as long as they do.
“I said, ‘because it’s a great job. Why would you, why would you give it up willingly,’” Kay recalled saying to Rose. “Obviously, if you lose your skill or you see yourself slowing down, then you probably owe it to your bosses and the audience to consider.
“But I don’t think I’m anywhere near that. I guess other people would have to judge that for themselves, but I think I’m a pretty good judge of myself, so I don’t see retirement anytime in the future.”
Yankees announcers John Sterling and Michael Kay are seen on the field during Derek Jeter night at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 22, 2022. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
The series will be aired locally on 880 ESPN, and Kay will also be working the pre- and post-game shows on YES Network during the length of the Bronx Bombers’ playoff run.
The Yankees voice added one other reason for not looking too far into what his future holds, joking that his son — a diehard Bronx Bombers fan — is “dead set against it.”
“He knows there’s advantages to your father is the Yankee announcer,” he said jokingly. “Then let’s say that I continue to do it.
“Well, in five years, my daughter’s in college, and six years, my son’s in college, and I don’t know if [Kay’s wife] Jody would want me around that much.”
The Philadelphia Phillies are still battling for an NL wild card spot, but suddenly, they're also left fretting about the health of their big trade deadline pickup.
Luis Arraez exited the Phillies' Sept. 24 game against the Milwaukee Brewers with a leg injury. Arraez appeared to be hurt as he tried to avoid a tag while running to first in the bottom of the sixth inning. He lay on the ground in obvious pain as he was tended to by a trainer.
He was clearly hampered as he made his way off the field and while walking around in the dugout.
The Phillies said Arraez is dealing with a left ankle sprain and will be evaluated further.
Luis Arráez went down in pain after running to 1st base on this play. He has left the game. pic.twitter.com/nbKPlGanAg
The Phillies acquired the four-time All-Star on Aug. 3 in a deal with the San Francisco Giants. Though his numbers have dipped since his trade, he still leads the National League in batting average this season.
Luis Arraez injury update
Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly said X-rays for Arraez were negative.
"We'll know more tomorrow," Mattingly said.
Asked if he was hopeful Arraez would play again this season, Mattingly said, "I'm hopeful that he can play, but we'll see. We'll see where it goes."
Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka commented on the pending ownership change for the first time. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
With the sale not official yet, the Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager didn’t say too much about the sale, citing league rules.
But he’s been encouraged by the initial impressions of Kushner and Iger.
“We have had introductory meetings with Bob and Josh, and those have been excellent,” Pelinka said Thursday during his preseason media availability alongside coach JJ Redick. “With a pending transaction, we’re not at liberty to talk more about that under league rules. But we’ve had preliminary discussions with them that have been really, really positive.”
“We’re operating with Lakers excellence,” Pelinka said. “We’re continuing to build out a world-class front office. Proud of the people we’ve added, incredibly proud of the energy we’ve had upstairs. We’re super excited about the people upstairs, the coaching staff, the support staff, the roster. Nothing’s changed day-to-day.”
It isn’t clear when Josh Kushner and Bob Iger will officially become the Lakers new owners. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
The additions of Amsler and Ramadas were among the 15-plus front office hires the Lakers made over the last few months, Pelinka added.
“Super appreciative of the support from Jeanie [Buss] and ownership to build out,” Pelinka said. “Really built out our strategy and analytics department, have hired two assistant general managers. Have more to do, and we’re actually continuing to do that. And then in terms of player services, as JJ said, we’ve really rebuilt our player experience and player development arm. With that comes new equipment, new recovery and modalities. We’ve worked with our training department to do that.”
When asked what other additions the Lakers were looking to make, Pelinka mentioned wanting to make more hires to support Amsler’s side of the front office.
The Lakers started building out the front office before Mark Walter’s sale of the franchise. MLB Photos via Getty Images
Amsler will focus on the “player draft and evaluation processes,” which will include pro scouting, draft scouting and player development.
He spent 22 years in the Heat organization, most recently serving as the vice president of player personnel before the Lakers hired him.
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“You guys saw we hired Eric Amsler, who was with two decades with the Heat to kind of see over our player personnel, our draft scouting, our G League scouting and NBA scouting – we’re gonna be adding more scouts in those departments,” Pelinka said. “That’s just one example of a sort of a vertical that we’ll continue to build. And there are others, too. But it’s been a really robust last two months. The players are already seeing the differences. And we’ll continue, like I said, to set the gold standard with the people we have upstairs.”
It’s clear there’s a lot more to come when it comes to building out the Lakers’ infrastructure.
What isn’t clear amidst the ownership change is how involved the Dodgers will be in those changes to come.
It isn’t clear what role Dodgers president of baseball operations of Andrew Friedman will have with the Lakers after being in an advisory role for the last year. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Their influence included being involved in the assistant general manager hiring process.
But with Walter’s ownership tenure coming to an end soon, it isn’t clear what roles Friedman and Zaidi will have with the Lakers future.
“We can’t really talk in this interim period,” Pelinka said. “There’s just a transaction that’s going on. I will say this, I’m super grateful for the opportunity to learn from incredible leaders like Andrew Friedman. And the reps and time and conversations we’ve had have been enriching for me. He does an incredible job. Good luck to the Dodgers in three-peating. So, we’ll see.”
The Los Angeles Lakers are about to embark on a new era of basketball, as they are set to endure a full season without LeBron James as a member of the roster for the first time in eight years.
During Thursday’s media availability, Lakers head coach JJ Reddick might’ve accidentally taken a shot at James when he told reporters that he believes this year’s “group is probably the first time in my three years that I feel like the pieces actually fit together.”
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Reddick accidentally shades LeBron James during Thursday’s media availability. X/@ohnohedidnt24
It’s unknown if Reddick was actually taking a shot at James or not, but what is true is this year’s roster was constructed around creating role players to play alongside Luka Doncic, whereas in the past it was constructed to fit around James.
“There is a very clear ask for you to be able to play. And if you don’t do those things, then you’re not gonna play,” Reddick said. “That’s just the reality.”
Reddick went on to say that he’s already spoken with players on the roster about his vision for the team, and the reception has been positive.
LeBron James playing in an NBA game for the Los Angeles Lakers. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Team President of basketball operations and general manager, Rob Pelinka, started to clean house by getting rid of veterans like Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes, and Luke Kennard.
Luka Doncic making a defender miss during an NBA game against the New York Knicks. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
With a key building block put together, the team went and added Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Collin Sexton to help with offense, while Matisse Thybulle and Ziarie Williams were brought in to help the defense.
“We have high confidence in these guys that they’re going to buy into that, “Reddick said. “It’s going to create naturally healthy competition, and everybody at some point will inevitably get a chance to impact our team and impact winning.”
